At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we often get asked if there’s a class “for older adults,” especially from people in their 50s or beyond who are just starting out. And while we don’t have a specific class labeled for older adults, we have great news: you won’t need one! Out of the 100 or so adults training with us, only 5 are under 30. That means most of our students are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, training and improving every day.
Jiu Jitsu is a lifelong art. It’s not about brute strength or being the fastest person in the room—it’s about technique, strategy, and patience. Our students, many of whom began their journey in their 40s and 50s, prove that age is no barrier to learning and enjoying the benefits of Jiu Jitsu. The community you’ll find at our school is supportive and understanding, and your training partners will work with you at a pace that suits your fitness and skill level.
If you’re worried about being too old to start, consider this: some of our members are in their 60s and thriving on the mats. Jiu Jitsu provides a fantastic way to stay active, build confidence, and develop self-defense skills—all while being part of a community of people with similar goals.
So, if you’re in your 50’s and wondering if there’s a place for you, the answer is a resounding yes. You’ll fit right in. There’s never a perfect age to start Jiu Jitsu—there’s only the perfect time: now!
When you first begin your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, one of the key concepts you’ll encounter is learning to control your opponent from dominant positions. Among the most powerful and fundamental of these is back control. Mastering this position early on can set the stage for your long-term success in BJJ.
What is Back Control?
Back control occurs when you have your legs hooked around your opponent’s hips, your chest against their back, and ideally, your arms controlling their upper body. This is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because your opponent has few options to attack or defend, while you have several submission opportunities available. Most notably, the rear naked choke is a finishing move often executed from this position.
Why Should Beginners Focus on Back Control?
Dominance and Safety Back control offers a significant advantage in both competition and self-defense. From this position, you are behind your opponent, out of reach of their strikes or counters, giving you the ability to control their movement without being vulnerable to attack. Learning this early gives beginners a sense of safety and control during rolls.
Submission Opportunities From the back, there are many submission options that are both fundamental and effective. The rear naked choke is often one of the first submissions taught, as it capitalizes on the control you have over your opponent’s body. Once you have back control, submissions feel within reach, building your confidence as a beginner.
Transitional Awareness Learning to maintain back control also helps beginners develop an understanding of transitions. It’s common for opponents to try and escape back control, and learning to follow them, adjust your hooks, and maintain control will strengthen your overall game. As you progress, you’ll learn how to seamlessly transition between back control, mount, and other dominant positions.
Defense Training While back control is an offensive powerhouse, understanding this position as a beginner will also help you improve your defense. You’ll learn what to avoid and how to escape when an opponent gains back control on you, which is just as important as learning how to maintain it.
How to Approach Back Control as a Beginner
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize drilling back control with a focus on proper technique and patience. As a beginner, here are a few things to keep in mind when practicing this position:
Stay tight to your opponent: Keep your chest glued to their back, with your hooks securely in place. This makes it harder for your opponent to escape.
Focus on control before submission: Don’t rush to finish your opponent. Learn how to maintain control first, and submissions will follow.
Be aware of your opponent’s escape attempts: A good defense from your opponent will be trying to roll or escape your hooks. Anticipating and preventing their escapes will improve your game immensely.
Back control is one of the most powerful and effective positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and it’s a position that beginners should learn early on. By mastering this position, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to control an opponent and finish the fight, whether in a competitive match or a self-defense situation.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our curriculum ensures that every student, no matter their level, builds a strong foundation in back control and other fundamental positions. Start your journey by learning how to control, submit, and defend from the back—and watch your BJJ game transform!
On November 12, 1993, the world of martial arts was forever changed with the debut of UFC 1. This inaugural event was not just a spectacle of mixed martial arts (MMA) but a pivotal moment that highlighted the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and provided key insights that continue to shape the training and strategies at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu.
1. The Dominance of BJJ
One of the most significant takeaways from UFC 1 was the dominance of BJJ. Royce Gracie, representing the Gracie family and BJJ, emerged as the victor by employing techniques that were relatively unknown to the wider MMA community at the time. His success demonstrated the effectiveness of ground-fighting and submission grappling, underscoring the importance of incorporating BJJ techniques into a comprehensive martial arts curriculum.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize the core principles and techniques demonstrated. Our training focuses on not only perfecting submissions but also on the fundamentals of positional control and leverage that proved crucial in UFC 1.
2. The Evolution of MMA Training
UFC 1 highlighted the need for fighters to be well-rounded and proficient in various disciplines. While BJJ was showcased prominently, the event also underscored the importance of integrating other martial arts techniques, such as striking and wrestling, to create a more complete fighter.
This lesson has shaped our approach at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. We understand that while BJJ is central to our training, we also encourage our students to explore and integrate other disciplines. By doing so, our practitioners can develop a more versatile skill set, improving their overall effectiveness both in competition and self-defense scenarios.
3. The Importance of Strategy and Adaptability
UFC 1 was also a lesson in strategy and adaptability. Royce Gracie’s ability to adapt his techniques and strategies to different opponents and situations was a key factor in his success. This adaptability is a crucial component of BJJ and is something we instill in our students.
In our classes, we focus not just on executing techniques but also on understanding when and how to apply them. We teach our students to read their opponents and adjust their approach accordingly, echoing the strategic adaptability that was so evident in UFC 1.
4. The Role of Discipline and Conditioning
The physical and mental conditioning of fighters was another lesson from UFC 1. Royce Gracie’s performance was a testament to the rigorous training and conditioning that goes into preparing for high-level competition.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize the importance of discipline and conditioning in our training regimen. We believe that a well-conditioned body and a disciplined mind are essential for achieving success on the mats and in life.
5. The Growth of the Sport
Finally, UFC 1 marked the beginning of the rapid growth and evolution of MMA as a sport. The event brought attention to the effectiveness of BJJ and opened the door for further exploration of various martial arts styles.
As a martial arts academy, we are excited to be part of this evolving sport. We stay informed about the latest developments and incorporate new insights into our training programs, ensuring that our students benefit from the ongoing growth and innovation in the world of MMA.
UFC 1 was a groundbreaking event that provided valuable lessons for martial artists and enthusiasts alike. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we continue to learn from the pioneers of the sport and apply these lessons to our training. By emphasizing the principles of BJJ, encouraging well-rounded skill development, fostering adaptability, and prioritizing discipline, we aim to honor the legacy of UFC 1 and contribute to the ongoing evolution of martial arts.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re constantly exploring the rich history and versatile techniques of martial arts. One such technique that has seamlessly transitioned from Judo to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is the Hikikomi Gaeshi, a dynamic and effective sacrifice throw.
Origins in Judo
The Hikikomi Gaeshi, which translates to “Pulling Sacrifice Throw,” has its roots deep in the tradition of Judo. Developed by Judo founder Jigoro Kano, this technique exemplifies the principle of using an opponent’s force and momentum against them, a cornerstone of Judo philosophy. The Hikikomi Gaeshi is categorized under the Sutemi Waza (sacrifice techniques), where the practitioner sacrifices their own balance to execute a powerful throw.
Execution in Judo
In Judo, the Hikikomi Gaeshi is typically initiated from a grip on the opponent’s collar or belt. The practitioner pulls their opponent forward, simultaneously dropping to the mat and using their legs to propel the opponent over them. This throw capitalizes on the opponent’s forward momentum, making it a highly effective counter to aggressive forward attacks.
Application in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with its focus on ground fighting and submissions, has embraced the Hikikomi Gaeshi for its ability to transition from standing to a dominant ground position. Here’s how this throw is adapted and applied in BJJ:
Entry and Setup: Similar to Judo, the BJJ practitioner grips the opponent’s gi, in this case a double collar grip position.
Execution: As the opponent advances, the practitioner pulls them forward, drops to the mat, and uses their legs to flip the opponent over. The key difference in BJJ is the emphasis on transitioning immediately to a dominant position, such as mount or side control, to continue the fight on the ground.
Flow and Control: Once the opponent is thrown, the practitioner must flow into a controlling position, maintaining pressure and looking for submission opportunities. The Hikikomi Gaeshi often leads to advantageous positions, and at the very least a strong guard pull.
Practical Tips for Mastery
To effectively integrate the Hikikomi Gaeshi into your BJJ game, consider the following tips:
Grip Strength: Developing strong and strategic grips is essential. Practice different grip variations to find what works best for your body type and fighting style.
Timing and Balance: Perfecting the timing of your pull and drop is crucial. Drilling with a partner will help you understand the nuances of balance and momentum required for a successful throw.
Transitions: Focus on the transitions immediately after the throw. Work on flowing seamlessly into control positions and setting up submissions.
The Hikikomi Gaeshi is a beautiful example of the fluidity between Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. By mastering this sacrifice throw, you not only add a powerful technique to your repertoire but also deepen your understanding of the interconnectedness of these martial arts. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage you to explore and integrate such techniques, enriching your practice and expanding your skill set. Join us on the mats to learn, practice, and perfect the Hikikomi Gaeshi and many other exciting techniques!
Tanner and Jamie both won gold at the Gentle Art Challenge in San Jose. The Gentle Art Challenge was a submission only tournament with EBI-style overtime rules to decide the winner in the case the match regulation didn’t end with a submission.
Tanner and Jamie both won with submissions to decisively win their divisions at the tournament in San Jose.
The submission style tournament is one of the growing forms of competition styles in the sport. In the submission only tournament there is no points for advancement in position or attacks, but only when you submit your opponent with a viable attack are you declared the winner.
On the last weekend of January, Tanner Ford and Eliot Kelly made their presence felt on the stage of Fight to Win Pro 60 in Reno, Nevada. This was an exciting night for the two competitors where over $30,000 were paid to the many competitors of the night. Tanner made his Submission only debut on the fight to win card and won via heel hook. He had a dominant performance and was able to execute to precision what he had been training. We are excited to see him again on the stage!
Eliot wasn’t as successful as Tanner in his match. Eliot lost a unanimous referee decision. Needless to say he made an effort to put on a show of takedowns and hand fighting looking to gain advantage starting from the feet.
We are excited to have been a part of another Fight to Win pro card in the Nevada area! This was an exciting opportunity to compete and perform on a professional stage in the art of submission grappling. We look forward to seeing these competitors in action again on the fight to win stage!
Fight to Win Pro 58 is coming back to Sacramento on January, 12 2018. This professional brazilian jiu jitsu and submission grappling competition is a one match grappling super fight with no points. The victor is determined by submission or referee decision. The
From El Dorado Hills, competitor Eliot Kelly is us against Jason Butcher, a seasoned MMA competitor and title holder. Eliot, who has been competing mostly in NoGi for the submission only competitions will be making his submission only debut wearing the Gi for this bout. In his previous fight to win bout held in Sacramento, Eliot won by rear naked choke against MMA competitor Luke Stuart in the last few seconds of the bout.
Another competitor from El Dorado Hills, Aaron Martinez will be making his black belt debut and fight to win promotion debut in NoGi submission grappling. Aaron Martinez, who recently received his black belt from Master Claudio Franca in Santa Cruz, CA will be brining his mixed grappling game of wrestling and submission jiu jitsu to the mat in Sacramento.
Purchase your tickets to the bouts online! Visit Cagetix.com and select one of the fighters name to support their profession jiu jitsu career and watch all of the 30 super fights of the night!
I had two matches at 2017 ADCC Finland. Lost them both. One to Lovato jr. & another to Aly. In reflecting on the weekend, I walked away with some important insights.
1) Embracing my style of “fighting”
2) How quickly your mindset can influence your performance.
As a side note, to me winning & losing are only trivial moments as a result of a bout, therefore I’ve always made an effort to evaluate my performance <physical // technical // mental> in a match instead of the win or loss. I haven’t watched my bouts yet, but I was very unsatisfied after my initial match. I tried to play a strategic game and it was a total failure. Lovato Jr. completely shut me down. 7-0. I walked away from the mat frustrated. I think I played it conservative and there’s no way you will perform well or beat any of the best 16 guys in the world playing it safe.
Thank you Ty, Paul, and Ryan for coaching and sharing your insights on the match.
The next day I faced Aly in the open class. In between the two days i was able to better understand myself as a grappler. To embrace my style. And I was damn sure I wasn’t going to play it safe on the second day. (And hopefully everyday) And I feel as though did. I didn’t win and there were some things I need to change but I could walk off the mat knowing i was a different person from yesterday. Only one thing changed between the two days. My mindset. My conscious approach to fight hard. To go HAM. (I’m quoting Tanner Rice here)
So I challenge everyone to go and fight their style every match. To embrace who they are on and off the mat. Because when you do…. It make everything so much more fun! And when you don’t it’s almost a guarantee you won’t win…
A special thanks to Komainu Apparel and AK BKK . These guys made this ADCC experience extra special for us. Thank you Satoshi for the photo! 📷
This year the IBJJF American Nationals took place in Las Vegas with the UFC International Expo. The event show cased the best martial artists in jiujitsu, wrestling, tae kwon do, karate, judo, and other types of cross fit competitions. The event culminated with the McGregor v Mendes fight. The event was an exciting step in jiu-jitsu as it joins forces with the UFC and MMA community. Hosting the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation tournaments in conjunction with the UFC expo will only help educate MMA fans on the details and excitement of jiu-jitsu.
NoGi Super Heavy weight podium
The American Nationals featured jiujitsu competitors from all over the globe. The event featured two tournaments, one in the gi and one nogi. The tournament also featured the Kids American Nationals, one of the premiere IBJJF Kids tournaments of the year.
NoGi Absolute podium
Eliot represented the team from El Dorado Hills. The first day was composed of theNoGi tournament. Eliot finished with a double silver making it to the finals in the weight division and absolute (all weights combined) open weight division. The second day was composed of the tournament in the gi. Eliot finished with a silver in his weight division, again making it into the finals of the tournament. In the absolute (all weights combined) open weight division Eliot fell short in the semi-final, finishing with a bronze.
Eliot Kelly beats Guyson Sa in the quarter finals of the absolute division
Eliot finished the two day American Nationals with 9 matches 5 in the nogi and 4 in the gi. “The tournament was great! There were warm up mats, great organization, and a lot of action all day long. It was a bitter sweet experience for me as a competitor because I made it to the finals in three different occasions, but I wasn’t able to get the gold. Needless to say I learned from my mistakes and I’m excited for the next opportunity to compete!”
From 
Another competitor from El Dorado Hills, Aaron Martinez will be making his black belt debut and fight to win promotion debut in 
